Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-107

THOSE WHOM GOD REWARDS

From ‘Sunrise Sunset’ (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher’s book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6.

Christianity is essentially relational. You don’t know all about your spouse when you marry, but the areas of ignorance are overshadowed by a strong, loving faith. The blind man who was healed by Jesus (John 9) couldn’t answer all his critics’ questions but was able to affirm: ‘One thing I know, once I was blind, now I see.’

Faith, in the biblical sense, does not have to begin every day at the beginning and prove everything all over again. We don’t require that of science; why should we require it of religion? In both areas there are certain presuppositions we believe in, and build on. A scientist does not begin a day’s research by examining again the law of gravity.

The faith of which the Bible speaks proceeds on the assumption that Jesus is divine, that therefore God is, and that he is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

And those who live out this faith in God find remarkable corroborative evidences of God’s activity in their lives.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.